Archive · 29 Dec 2025
Pakistan Drops Stars for Sri Lanka T20I Series
Pakistan has announced its squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Some big players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf are not included.
Instead, Salman Ali Agha will lead the team.
The matches will be played in Dambulla in January 2026.
This series is important because it helps Pakistan get ready for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka due to political reasons.
They are in Group B with India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA.
The absence of key players has raised concerns among fans and critics about Pakistan's readiness for the World Cup.
Pakistan announces squad for 3 T20I matches against Sri Lanka in January 2026.
Key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan excluded.
Salman Ali Agha named captain for the series.
Uncapped Khawaja Nafay earns maiden call-up.
Series serves as preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026, with matches to be played in Sri Lanka due to political tensions.
- Who
- Pakistan Cricket Team
- What
- Announcement of squad for T20I series against Sri Lanka
- When
- December 28, 2025
- Where
- Sri Lanka (Dambulla)
- Why
- To prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Critics and Fans
Player Selection
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
The PCB believes that players like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are gaining valuable experience by playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) and that this series is an opportunity to test new talent.
Critics and Fans
Critics and fans argue that the absence of key players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf weakens the team and raises concerns about Pakistan's readiness for the T20 World Cup.
World Cup Preparation
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
The PCB views the Sri Lanka series as a crucial preparation ground for the T20 World Cup, especially since all of Pakistan's World Cup matches will be played in Sri Lanka due to political tensions.
Critics and Fans
Fans and critics believe that playing without key stars in conditions similar to the World Cup is not an adequate preparation and could hurt Pakistan's chances.
- Series
- 3 T20I matches
- Dates
- January 7, 9, 11, 2026
- Venue
- Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka
- Captain
- Salman Ali Agha
- Notable Exclusions
- Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan
- New Inclusion
- Khawaja Nafay
- T20 World Cup 2026
- February 7 to March 8, 2026
- Pakistan's Group
- Group B (India, Namibia, Netherlands, USA)
Sources
No Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi And Haris Rauf In Pakistan's Squad For T20I Series Against Sri Lanka
Pakistan recall Shadab for T20I series vs Sri Lanka; Babar, Shaheen to continue playing in BBL
Pakistan begin T20 World Cup 2026 preparations without key stars in crucial Sri Lanka series
Explained: Why Pakistan Have Left Out Babar Azam And Shaheen Afridi From Squad Just Before T20 World Cup
